A new exhibit in the Modern Flight Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force highlights the Fairchild C-123K and the Ranch Hand program associated with this aircraft.
At the centerpiece of the exhibit is the museum's C-123K nicknamed Patches. Patches saw extensive service during the Southeast Asia War as a sprayer, and Ranch Hand personnel developed a strong symbolic attachment to this aircraft. It took almost 600 hits in combat, and it was named Patches for the damage repairs that covered it. Moreover, seven of its crew received the Purple Heart for wounds received in battle.
The exhibit also covers Ranch Hand, a program designed to remove foliage to deny the enemy cover in the dense jungles of South Vietnam and Laos during the war in Southeast Asia. To accomplish missions, Ranch Hand crews flew their UC-123 transport aircraft on straight runs at very low altitude over a well-armed enemy. Ranch Hand aircraft developed a reputation as the most shot-at U.S. Air Force aircraft during the war, receiving more than 7,000 hits from enemy fire.
Besides the C-123K, the exhibit contains more than 25 other artifacts highlighting the work of Ranch Hand members, including a party suit, helmets, South Vietnamese pilot's wings and other interesting items. -- www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
